Linksys EA8500

Under Construction!
This page is currently under construction. You can edit the article to help completing it.

Write a short, relevant description of the device. Include a technical overview, but avoid marketing buzzwords/useless stuff. Two to four sentences is about right. A picture is good, too. Edit the page to see how to add pictures.

Any text with a light background (like this one) provides instructions for creating the Details Page. When you have filled in correct/useful information (instead of any template that's there) remove the instructions, as well as the <WRAP> that encloses it.

Getting started with a new Device Page

This is an empty template that suggests the information that should be present on a well-constructed Device Page. This means, that you have to fill it with life and information.

There are several “fixme” tags with text on a light background (like this text) throughout this template. As you fill in the page, remove those tags so that people can judge its completeness.

When there are no more “fixme” tags left, delete this one too, along with the <WRAP> that encloses it.

OEM easy installation

if the currently running linksys firmware is < 1.1.4.69978 install (at least) 1.1.4.69978 twice to make sure the primary and the secondary partition have a compatible format

install (at least) 1.1.4.69978 once to make sure that the secondary/backup partition is compatible with OpenWrt/LEDE as well

Note: Reset router to factory defaults if it has been previously configured.

Browse to http://192.168.1.1/Upgrade.asp

Upload .bin file to router

Wait for it to reboot

Note: It's possible that the more recent stock firmware may have changed the interface so that the above link (http://192.168.1.1/Upgrade.asp) no longer works. On version 1.1.7.182977 for example, in the stock WebUI, you have to go to Connectivity → Basic (tab) → Router Firmware Update → Manual Update → Choose File. See this screenshot:

Debricking

Failsafe mode

Going back to Linksys Firmware / Flashing back to stock

You will need SSH access to the device as Web UI flashing page will reject stock firmware. You will also need version 1.1.4.169978 of the stock firmware and not anything later (like 1.1.5.178908).
Upload the stock firmware file to /tmp/ directory on the router and then run:
sysupgrade -n -v -F /tmp/FW_EA8500_1.1.4.169978_prod.

Photos

Front:

Back:

Backside label:Insert photo of backside label

Main Board:

Serial Connectors (RX, TX, Ground):

Opening the case

Note: This will void your warranty!

To open the box first remove 4 rubber feet covering screws (I found that trying to push them towards the middle of the box helps). Remove 4 Philips screws. Unlike some earlier Linksys devices there are also plastic clips holding the top cover in place. Use plastic prying tools to detach the cover. While on the sides the clips disengage with the slim prying tool, both front and back require prying tool pushed well into the box. Be careful to not rip any wires inside.